Chronicling civil-service life for California state workers

February 1, 2013

Investigators have arrested a CalPERS employee today for allegedly stealing the identity of at least one pension fund member.

Authorities booked 40-year-old Koren Lamar into Solano County Jail on suspicion of identity theft, according to a Vacavile Police Department press release. Investigators made the arrest after seizing evidence from two Sacramento locations: a Fulton Fulton Avenue apartment complex and CalPERS' headquarters.

Lamar lived in an apartment on Fulton Avenue.

Vacaville police launched an investigation on Jan. 23 after the victim reported several loans taken out using their personal information and without their knowledge.

"During the investigation officers discovered a connection to the California Public Employees Retirement System, from which the victim is currently receiving retirement benefits," according to the press release submitted by Sgt. Jeff King. "Investigators believed that the personal information used in the loan applications was obtained from a CalPERS database."

Police said they believe that Lamar worked alone. They are continuing their investigation and other victims may surface, but they think the number is "relatively small."

CalPERS spokesman Brad Pacheco said in an emailed statement that protecting members' personal data "is one of our highest priorities. We have had very few instances of this kind and we will not let one individual overshadow our commitment to members."

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About The State Worker

The Author

Jon Ortiz launched The State Worker blog and a companion column in 2008 to cover state government from the perspective of California government employees. Every day he filters the news through a single question: "What does this mean for state workers?" Join Ortiz for updates and debate on state pay, benefits, pensions, contracts and jobs. Contact him at (916) 321-1043 and at jortiz@sacbee.com.

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